FAQ Exchange and Direct-Enroll

FAQ

What's the difference to Mason-led? View side-by-side comparison to see differences between Exchange and Mason-led
When can I go? Stuyding at a partner school is primarly a long-term commitment. You study abroad for one semester (fall or spring) or one year (academic year or calendar year). However, some international summer schools available.
Who teaches me? Host institution faculty
Who are my classmates? Students from host institution and international students
What can I study? That's your choice. With some exceptions, you have access to the entire course catalog of the host institution. Courses and credits tranfer back to Mason.
Do my credits transfer? Yes. You can view courses that have been transfered as Mason credit in the Transfer Credit Database (CERS). CERS stands for "Course Evaluation and Registration System" but the database is oftentimes referred to as Transfer Credit Database, Course Database, or simply CERS. You can also request new courses equivanlencies if needed.
Does my GPA transfer?

No. Your grades abroad are not applied to your Mason GPA. However, these classes are NOT pass/fail so a record of your grade does exist.

Why is this important?

For example, if you apply to a graduate program or competitive job and a transcript is requested, you will need to include a transcript from your host school in addition to your Mason transcript.

Is housing included?

Some programs have on campus housing options, and all will at least have suggested housing or apartment options close to campus. It is important for students to note that they are responsible for their own housing.

Each program comes with a separate web brochure page which provides more specific details on housing.

What are the cost? Exchange: you pay Mason tuition rates
Direct-Enroll: you pay separate program fee that includes tuition
Housing is usually separate
How do I pay? Tuition and program fees are paid through Student Accounts
Housing is usually separate and paid directly to the university partner or third-party housing provider
Can I use financial aid? YES. If you intend to use financial aid, you will need to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor.

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Semester Programs

Browse Exchange and Direct-Enroll Programs by Region

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Africa and the Middle East

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Seoul
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International Summer Schools

All international summer school programs are listed under one regional category.

Seoul
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External Study Abroad

Should Mason not currently maintain a partnership with an institution in which you are are interested, you can still apply for an external study abroad program.

Mason Campus
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Incoming Exchange

For international students currently studying at a Mason partner school and interested in a semester or year at Mason!